The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-26

had the floor and stated that when the Chair had
stated his motion to the Senate he would still
retain the floor. He did not yield the floor.
The Chair-Does the Senator say that until a
Senator yields the floor no other motion can be
made2
Mr.. Winter-Yes, sir if speaking is in order.
The Charlie was not speaking. The motion
of the Senator from Switzerland was made be-
fore the Senator from Tippecanoe stated he de-
sired to have the floor If he desires the floor
for the purpose of making a speech the Chair
will grant it to him. Proceed with your speech.
The Senator from Switzerland will be recog-
niZed after your speech is done
Mr. Dresser was loath to speak. unless the mat
ter could be fully discussed, but he said that as
soon as the testimony could be prepared by the
stenographer the minority prepared a report,
and it is now before the Senate. Mr.. Mcdonald
was and is entitled to his seat, and the minority
insist that the testimony shows clearly that Mr..
Branaman. under no consideration, is entitled to
a seat in this Senate There is nothing before
this Senate. no certificate from the clerk of any
court, or from any other officer, to the effect
even that MIR. Branaman voted for at any
election. There is not one iota of testimony to
show that he was voted for at that election,
that which comes from those who state that
they received money for it; and if one part of
this testimony is to be taken, the other part
must also be taken-that he paid money for his
votes, and is thereby disqualified from holding
Office. The minority feel that great injustice has
been done Mr.. Mcdonald. He has been sent out
before the world as briber, when there is
nothing to show that ne used money corruptly
to secure his election.
Mr. Griffith renewing his motion to postpone
until Feb. 3, Mr.. Denote moved to amend by
providing that two hours for discussion be given
at that time-one hour for each side.
Mr.. johnson said much shorter time would
give ample opportunity for every member to pre-
pare himself for the discussion. If tile Senators,
without hearing any argument. and without any
report thereon except the majority report, are
nf
question, to unseat Mr.. Mcdonald and TO seat
Mr.. Branaman, surely it will not require ten
twelve days time to prepare for the discussion
of this question when both the majority
are before them. If this gentleman
is not entitled to the seat he ought not to
be permitted to retain it. Every hour he is upon
this floor is an outrage upon the rights OF the
people.
The Chair (interrupting)- the Senator
Mr.. Jonnson-I am opposed to postponng this
subject for so great a length Of time.
Mr.. Denote modified his amendment so as to
shorten the time to next Thursday, instead OF
Thursday week.
Mr.. Huston hoped neither the amendment nor
the original motion would prevail. 1t is right
and privilege of the minority on this floor to de-
mand, or at least to ask the Immediate consider
alton of this report It will be rememb ered by
all present the other day when the majority re-
port was presented, that no discussion was had
upon it at ALL He said them and he believed it
gency demanded hasty action. A United States
Senator is to be elected. 1t is then aquestion Of
the highest Importance whether Mr.. Branaman
is entitled to seat upon this floor or not. He.
for one, believed that Senator Mcdonald was en-
titled to his seat, and was honestly elected, and
has done nothing to disqualify him from holding
his place as member of this Senate. On the
other hand Mr.. Branaman has no right whatever
upon the floor of this Senate and consequently
no right to vote for United States Senator. II
| the majority on this floor, having the voting
power sufficient to crush the minority out of ex-
stence, is afraid for the people of this State to
! know why such action is taken, then let the
white flag be run up.
| Mr.. Fowler tinterposing)-Ar you in favor Of
acting upon this report without dscussionl
| Mr.. Huston-The Senate has as good reason
| for acting on this report under the previous
| question they had on the report unseating
! Senator Mcdonald.
President pro tenn. Smith (interrupting)-
Why not move the previous question:
Mr. Huston-Because it is not true and fair
| way under any circumstances.
President pro tenn. Smith (interrupting)-At
| the suggestion of the Senator from Fayette
| [Mr. Hnstonl the Chair will entertain motion
| for the previous question on this question.
Mr. Huston said he did not believe in it nor
approve Of it, and didn't approve OF it the other
| day When the motion for the previous question
| was made the other day, it was with the under.
! standing that the report of the majority was sim
| ply to be read, and on the next morning the mi
nority would have ample opportunity to intro
duce its report before any action would be taken.
| AS far as fairness is concerned the Republican
| minority upon this floor stand upon its rec
ord. 1t is for the other side to say whether it is
| satisfied with its own record not
The amendment to the amendment. that the
| report be made the special order for next Thurs
| day was rejected by yeas Is, nays 80
Mr.. Winter declared no greater outrage could
be perpetrated upon the people of the State, and
| especially upon the people of Lawrence and
jackson counties. than to retain upon the floor
of this Senate a man who is not rightly theil
| representative.
4 Mr.. DeMotte, Mr.. Barrett aud Mr.. johnson
continued the debate till the time for the john
| convention.